Tamil writer Perumal Murugan has given up writing and has withdrawn all his previous books.
Writers, authors, journalists and even former governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi came together to show solidarity for Tamil novelist Perumal Murugan who declared that he would stop writing after being hounded allegedly by right wing groups for what they dubbed objectionable content in his novel Madhurabagan.
Former governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi said "hounding or destroying the identity or the writer's persona and intimidating psychologically is not consistent with democracy".
Rose Venkatesan, writer and film maker said "Freedom of expression in a democratic society shouldn't be disturbed at all"
The police and district administration came under attack for failing to protect the writer's freedom of expression. Perumal Murugan was forced to sign an agreement withdrawing his novel.
"The police, District Administration and the Chief Minister should intervene to stop this aberration", said senior journalist Shashi Kumar.
Women writers read excerpts from the novel asserting their freedom of expression.
Those who opposed the novel had said the book defames the women, and the temple in Tiruchengode.
'Madhorubhagan' is about a childless couple and an ancient tradition that allows the woman a chance to bear a child through sex outside marriage.
Another author said, "I don't think there is anything anti woman. If there's anything its only the sexual freedom women experienced in his caste".
Rajathi Salma, a poet said, They want to control women and that's why they don't want to open this issue.
The state government has maintained absolute silence even a week after Mr Murugan withdrew his book.